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Top
Mechanical Engineering
graduate schools

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Top Mechanical Engineering graduate schools

Looking for the top Mechanical Engineering graduate schools? We put together a comprehensive list of the best graduate programs for Mechanical Engineering, and put the results below. We include the acceptance rate, average GRE scores, and a brief description of each - all the information you need to kick start your research. Read on!

California Institute of Technology Mechanical Engineering school acceptance rate

California Institute of Technology Mechanical Engineering
Antony-22 / Wikimedia Commons / "Thomas Laboratory Caltech 2017" / CC BY-SA 4.0
The program in Mechanical Engineering at Caltech is a highly selective and research-oriented graduate program. Admission is primarily granted to those intending to pursue a Ph.D. degree. Graduates from the program have successful careers in both industry and academia, with a significant percentage entering tenure-track academic positions or working in industries such as aerospace, energy, and semiconductors. Financial support in the form of fellowships, teaching or research assistantships is provided to most graduate students, covering tuition fees and living expenses. The program aims to prepare students for research and professional practice in an interdisciplinary technological environment, emphasizing independence, creativity, and leadership.

Carnegie Mellon University Mechanical Engineering school acceptance rate

Carnegie Mellon University Mechanical Engineering
Dllu / Wikimedia Commons / "Carnegie Mellon Hamerschlag Hall and Scott Hall" / CC BY-SA 4.0
The Carnegie Mellon Institute of Technology offers graduate programs in mechanical engineering that combine deep knowledge in fundamental areas with interdisciplinary breadth. The programs emphasize hands-on research and learning, enabling students to solve complex problems through collaboration and innovation. With a low student/faculty ratio and a close-knit environment, the MechE department supports over 300 graduate students. Alumni find opportunities in both industry and academia, as evidenced by the post-grad dashboard provided by the Career and Professional Development Center. The institute offers interdisciplinary majors, global study options, and accelerated master's programs. Faculty and students engage in research projects, with multiple research centers on campus and additional facilities in Silicon Valley.

Cornell University Mechanical Engineering school acceptance rate

Cornell University Mechanical Engineering
Kenneth C. Zirkel / Wikimedia Commons / "Upson Hall after 2017 renovation, Cornell University" / CC BY-SA 4.0
Cornell University's mechanical and aerospace engineering program offers students the chance to learn from renowned faculty and work on projects alongside them. The program provides exceptional facilities, including rapid prototyping labs and cutting-edge research labs, to support hands-on learning. With a vast alumni network of over 57,000 members on LinkedIn, students have access to valuable networking opportunities and career guidance. The MAE MEng program stands out for its flexible coursework, project-oriented approach, and industry connections, leading to job prospects and higher starting salaries. Emphasizing real-world experience and engineering skill enhancement, the program focuses on tackling global challenges through in-depth projects that mirror professional employment and foster collaborations with faculty and industry partners.

Georgia Institute of Technology Mechanical Engineering school acceptance rate

Georgia Institute of Technology Mechanical Engineering
Mistercontributer / Wikimedia Commons / "J. Erskine Love Jr. Mfg Building (adjusted)" / CC BY-SA 3.0
The mechanical engineering program at Georgia Tech is renowned for its size and reputation, making it one of the most prestigious programs in the United States. It distinguishes itself by offering a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical design experiences, providing students with a well-rounded education. The program's history is noteworthy, with the establishment of the master's degree in 1922 and the doctoral program in 1946. Notably, the program has made significant strides in diversity, with the first Ph.D. awarded to a minority student in 1984 and the first Ph.D. awarded to a woman in 1987. Georgia Tech's mechanical engineering program consistently ranks among the top five nationally, emphasizing a curriculum that blends engineering fundamentals with hands-on design opportunities.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Mechanical Engineering school acceptance rate

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Mechanical Engineering
John Phelan / Wikimedia Commons / "MIT Building 1, Pierce Engineering Laboratory, Cambridge MA" / CC BY 3.0
MIT's contributions to mechanical engineering have been diverse and groundbreaking. The institution has excelled in advanced robotics, additive manufacturing, sustainable energy solutions, biomechanics, medical devices, and autonomous vehicles. MIT's research in these areas has resulted in the development of technologies such as the MIT Cheetah in robotics, advancements in 3D printing, breakthroughs in sustainable energy, innovations in biomechanics and medical devices, and contributions to autonomous vehicle technologies. With a culture of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, MIT continues to push the boundaries of mechanical engineering, making significant contributions to the field and shaping the future of technology.

Purdue University, West Lafayette Mechanical Engineering school acceptance rate

Purdue University, West Lafayette Mechanical Engineering
Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons / "Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA" / CC BY-SA 3.0
Purdue University offers graduate degree programs in mechanical engineering that provide opportunities for world-class research. Students receive close support from faculty and industry to develop the skills needed for innovation in various fields, ranging from fuel pumps to heart pumps, carbon fiber to carbon nanotubes, and solid rockets to soft robotics. The university, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, offers the benefits of a Big Ten institution, including cultural events and exciting athletics, all within walking distance. With a diverse population of 40,000 students, including over 25% from outside the US, Purdue provides both a small-town feel and easy access to larger cities like Indianapolis and Chicago. Graduates can benefit from Purdue's industry partnerships and a network of 82,000 engineering alumni worldwide to advance their careers.
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Stanford University Mechanical Engineering school acceptance rate

Stanford University Mechanical Engineering
Frank Schulenburg / Wikimedia Commons / "Jen-Hsun Huang Engineering Center in 2016" / CC BY-SA 4.0
Stanford University's graduate program in Mechanical Engineering combines coursework and research for specialized areas. Specializations include automatic controls, energy systems, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, solid mechanics, biomechanical engineering, MEMS, and design. Stanford consistently ranks highly in post-graduate Mechanical Engineering studies. The program offers a Master of Science (MS) in Mechanical Engineering, and an MS in Engineering with specializations in Biomechanical Engineering, Design Impact, or an individually designed major. Post-master's degrees in Engineering and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are also available. Students receive one-on-one mentoring from leading faculty in technological innovation.

University of California, Berkeley Mechanical Engineering school acceptance rate

University of California, Berkeley Mechanical Engineering
Pillsmarch / Wikimedia Commons / "UC Berkeley College of Engineering, McLaughlin Hall" / CC BY-SA 4.0
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley offers various graduate degree programs that provide students with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering. Graduates from Berkeley's program are well-prepared to compete in the field and have reported successful careers in engineering practice, management, research, academia, and government. The university offers a vibrant educational and cultural atmosphere, situated near the natural beauty of northern California. The Master of Engineering program is a one-year accelerated program that combines engineering coursework with classes in leadership and management. Students work on industry challenges through case studies and a capstone project. Small classes promote interaction and networking opportunities with peers, teachers, and industry collaborators, and additional services such as career advising and alumni connections are available.

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Mechanical Engineering school acceptance rate

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Mechanical Engineering
Amphylite / Wikimedia Commons / "UIUC Corn field" / CC BY-SA 4.0
The Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (M.Eng.ME) program at the Grainger College of Engineering, Illinois, is a professionally focused master's degree program that offers advanced knowledge and practical experiences beyond the undergraduate level. With a reputation for excellence, the program attracts renowned faculty and exceptional students from around the world. Students can complete the program in as little as one year of full-time study or up to five years for online students who may also work full-time. The program is highly flexible and allows students to customize their coursework based on their interests and goals, with guidance from a faculty advisor.

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Mechanical Engineering school acceptance rate

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Mechanical Engineering
Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons / "The Earl V. Moore Building on the north campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan" / CC BY-SA 4.0
The University of Michigan boasts an unparalleled combination of expertise, resources, and facilities, with 100 graduate programs ranking in the top 10 nationwide. Their mechanical engineering graduate programs capitalize on this interdisciplinary powerhouse, fostering groundbreaking research and knowledge that impact academia and society. Founded in 1868 with just one professor, the ME Department at UM has grown significantly. It now includes 72 tenured or tenure-track faculty, 19 research faculty and lecturers, 55 staff members, over 850 undergraduate students, and more than 500 graduate students, including 250+ pursuing Ph.D. degrees. With a rich history and clear vision, the University of Michigan shapes the future of mechanical engineering through innovative paradigms.

Conclusion

And there you have it - the top graduate schools for Mechanical Engineering. These are some of the best schools in the country for this field, and admission into any of them would be a great accomplishment that could set you up for a strong career.
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